Amtrak Completes Improvements at Two Oklahoma Stations

Amtrak officials said its passengers will have a more welcoming experience at two Oklahoma stations following about $8 million in improvements.

Amtrak Heartland Flyer trains stop in Norman and Pauls Valley twice daily on the route between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City. Improvements enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility devices, strollers and users of rolling luggage.

Twenty-two stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, and another 58 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $300 million.

Norman (NOR) $3 million

The station was built for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in 1909. The Santa Fe depot is a well-preserved example of Mission Revival architecture, built of brick and limestone, with a cross-gable and clay tile roof.

The station now features a 300-foot-long platform with reinstalled brick pavers and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped, accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy-efficient LED light fixtures that provide full-coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.

The designer of record for the project is WSP USA, one of the world’s leading engineering, science and infrastructure solutions firms, bringing together top experts across disciplines and geographies. Centennial Contractors Enterprises provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were Olsson Engineering, Streets Mechanical, Terracon and Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Jesco Electric (Yukon) and Cantera Concrete Company (Tulsa).

Pauls Valley (PVL) $5 million

Pauls Valley opened its station in 2002 with funding assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation through the Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Built to match the original depot’s style, it includes a climate-controlled waiting area and restrooms.

The station now features a 290-foot-long concrete boarding platform with an embedded brick paver surface. Complete are sloped, accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy-efficient LED light fixtures that provide full-coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.

The designer of record for the project is HDR Inc., specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. George Allen Construction provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were WW Builders and Smith Dressler Electric Services (Duncan), Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Tolbert Tree Care (Pauls Valley), Mills Fene Services (Glenpool), Attaboy Striping and Parking Lot Services (Tecumseh) and Ark Welding & Fab (Ardmore).

Since 2011, Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 169 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers. The ADA Stations Program is advancing 116 station designs and 85 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, working toward 100% completion by 2029.

These Amtrak projects receive specific Congressional funding directed by the Federal Railroad Administration. The Amtrak Heartland Flyer, Nos. 821 and 822, is sponsored by the Oklahoma and Texas transportation departments.